DIY turbo - thats presentable

I've seen the 'home-made' (diy) turbo kits mentioned here various times, and many people have brought up the same idea of the manufactured kits being a ripoff. Well there are a few customers I see on a regular basis (and one employee) that have setups put together in someone's garage, and they all look like crap. Example: EG6 D16/Turbo, 1st gen TSi AWD w/"custom" tubing, both of which look like crap and have been smoked by my (stock) Si.
Obviously the two cars I mentioned, well, suck, but I was wondering how many people have built their own setup and actually turned up something that not only performs, but looks decent as well (like, no exhaust clamps holding it together, that kinda thing).

Did you have the pipes bent, or do it yourself? I don't have a tubing bender, but there's a few shops in the area that'll do it at a decent price if you give them the specs.
I'm still checkin my options, I was considering an n/a setup, but that grille in the bumper just begs for an i/c.

Did you have the pipes bent, or do it yourself? I don't have a tubing bender, but there's a few shops in the area that'll do it at a decent price if you give them the specs.
I'm still checkin my options, I was considering an n/a setup, but that grille in the bumper just begs for an i/c.

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You dont even need a pipe bender. all you need is a couple u bends and straights and cut/weld. Id say about 3 u bends an 2 straights, couplers, and you should be allright. Its not that hard.

I built 2 turbo kits so far. the 2nd time around I bought a new turbo, lines, manifold, and custom ic piping w/ couplings all together from threadstone.
Sleeper FMIC that I got from a friend
I spent about $2000 including new RC 440cc & crome chip. I fab the Downpipe and dump tube myself! I got the BOV and Waste that i had on the side from my crix! But if it wasn't for the new turbo and mani I think it would of been alot cheaper! But hey i dont got to worry about it leaking anytime soon!